Corporate Travel News For Europe/MEA

Adria Airways withdrew (01-Nov-2017) from planned engagement at Bern Belp Airport, due to "the resumption of flight operations of SkyWork Airlines". As previously reported by CAPA, Adria Airways Switzerland aircraft were planned to operate from Bern to Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Vienna from 06-Nov-2017, as a result of the expiry of SkyWork Airlines' operating licence. Adria Airways CEO Arno Schuster said the airline is "pleased that SkyWork Airlines has managed to regain the operating licence so quickly". He concluded: "Bern is a very attractive market, and we will continue to seize opportunities in the market in the future". [more - original PR - German]

IAG CEO Willie Walsh commented on post Brexit UK-EU connectivity, stating: "The prospect of there being no flying between the UK and Europe, I don't agree with at all... This would bring all of Europe to a standstill" (Sky/Reuters, 31-Oct-2017). Mr Walsh added there are "Technical ways of addressing any scenario... From an EU point of view it's just as much in their interest to have continuity after Brexit as it is for us".

Morocco's Office National Des Aeroports (ONDA) outlined plans to develop Rabat Sale International Airport and expand its capacity in a project expected to commence in 2018 (fr.le360, 31-Oct-2017). The airport expects to exceed existing capacity levels by 2024, with passenger traffic growing at an average rate of 18.6% between 2011 and 2016. The project is expected to increase capacity from 1.5 million passengers p/a to more than four million.

South Africa's Gauteng Premier David Makhura stated Lanseria International Airport will be the site of a new airport city development, and will include industrial, commercial and residential projects (engineeringnews.co.za, 31-Oct-2017). The airport's shareholders will invest approximately ZAR1 billion (USD70 million) in the airport while another ZAR9 billion (USD636 million) will be invested by other private investors in the other developments.

CAPA - Centre for Aviation, in a report entitled: 'Germany's unusual potential for three main airport hubs - or even four or five', stated (31-Oct-2017) Lufthansa has clear opportunities to establish a major presence in the Berlin airport system, as capacotu becomes available following the end of the airberlin and Berlin Brandenburg Airport sagas. There are two other cities which justifiably could seek a greater commitment from Lufthansa: Hamburg and Duesseldorf. [more - CAPA Analysis]

Gulf Air officially launched (31-Oct-2017) Gulf Air Holidays, offering a range of holiday packages and tailored travel solutions to destinations across its network. Products include airfares, accommodation, car rental, guided tours, excursions and the airline's other products, including excess baggage, lounge access and seat selection. The airline is working in partnership with online travel booking company Ezeego1.com, which is the back end service provider for Gulf Air Holidays. [more - original PR]

SATA International established (31-Oct-2017) plans to incorporate one 168 seat A321neo, proceeding with its trans Atlantic fleet renovation programme. The A321neo is part of a six A321neo deal struck with Air Lease Corporation through 2021. The aircraft will replace the A310 on Boston operations. The carrier already incorporated one A330 in the programme. [more - original PR]

IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac, writing on his official blog, reported (31-Oct-2017) passenger charges at European airports have grown from an average of EUR16 per passenger in 2006 to EUR33 per passenger in 2016. Mr de Juniac noted that even through the global financial crisis, airport charges rose unabated, "a clear sign of very strong market power" and there is "a lot of inertia" in Europe preventing any switch by airlines from large airports to smaller airports. He said the costs are high and developing a profitable route takes time. He added that in many cases the discussion is "only theoretical as finding a slot and terminal capacity at most European airports itself a big challenge". IATA called for ICAO's principles on airport charges to be followed, under which the charges are related to costs, transparent and non-discriminatory and agreed to through meaningful consultation between airports and their airline customers. [more - original PR]

Global Market Insights Inc stated (Sep-2017) it expects the global airport security market to be worth more than USD16 billion by 2024 and reported the following forecasts and highlights:

• North America market expected to account for highest percentage of airport security revenue;
• Airport surveillance systems and technology expected exhibit substantial growth;
• Increasing passenger traffic from Asia Pacific and Middle East regions expected to drive expansion of airport security market. [more - original PR]

KLM CEO Peter Elbers stated Air France-KLM is close to forming a commercial JV with Jet Airways, which will likely entail synergies on more routes and frequent flyer programmes, "metal neutrality" as well as cargo and engineering (Economic Times/Business Standard, 30-Oct-2017). Mr Elbers also confirmed "metal neutrality" is being considered, without providing a timeline for the JV. He however confirmed: "We are working on further steps to increase co-operation and we are optimistic about the progress But I do want to commit to a precise date", Mr Elbers said. The two airlines currently have a codeshare partnership, handling around 450 passengers on a daily basis.